International Policy Research Center vice chairman Rashid Muhannadi said talks
to resolve the Strait of Hormuz crisis are advancing despite public US‑Iran
hardline rhetoric. He said Iran views control of the strait as a national
security concern and is using it as a bargaining chip, but called that chip a
'depreciating asset.' Muhannadi added actions that impede freedom of navigation
remain widely opposed, and parties appear willing to explore a mutually
acceptable regional mechanism to manage transit through the strait.
